FAYETTEVILLE — Even the formal announcement of Chuck Barrett as Arkansas’ radio football play-by-play announcer Tuesday didn’t seem to bridge the divide between the University of Arkansas and KATV, Channel 7.

In its news release Tuesday evening, Arkansas heralded Barrett’s selection as a mutual decision by the university and the Arkansas Razorback Sports Network, a subsidiary of KATV. But KATV President and General Manager Dale Nicholson followed the university’s release minutes later with his own news release that indicated KATV news anchor Scott Inman had withdrawn from consideration.

It was widely reported Friday that the university and KATV had reached an agreement in principle to name Barrett as the play-by-play man.

Barrett, who will join the university’s athletic department in a number of roles, was backed by the university and Athletic Director Frank Broyles. Inman was the choice of Nicholson and the television station. The school and the station each believed it had the right to make the decision on whom the announcer would be.

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“After careful consideration of how our viewers can best be served, our leadership team has decided that our news anchors and reporters, including Scott Inman, should focus their energies on our primary mission of delivering the most accurate, up-to-date local news possible,” Nicholson’s statement read. “Therefore, Scott is no longer a candidate for play-by-play announcer for Razorback broadcasts or coaches’ shows.”

Inman would not comment on the statement or his name being withdrawn from consideration when reached Tuesday evening.

“That’s something that would be better to ask Dale Nicholson,” Inman said.

Inman spent the past eight years hosting ARSN’s scoreboard show, and he said he has been asked to continue in that role. It is unclear if he will.

“That’s something I’ve yet to decide,” Inman said. “It’s been told to me that I’m welcome to stay. That’s something I’ll have to think about.”

Barrett, a native of Clarksville, will replace interim announcer Mike Nail on the broadcasts. Nail, Arkansas’ basketball announcer for 26 years, handled football duties last fall after the death of Paul Eells, a KATV sportscaster who spent 28 years calling Razorbacks games for ARSN.

Nail will continue to serve as play-by-play announcer for basketball. He’ll also host the basketball coach’s show for ARSN.

ARSN is the exclusive provider of all Razorbacks football and basketball programming. It produces and distributes all football and men’s basketball radio broadcasts and televises six basketball games statewide.

Despite the ongoing contention between parties, Barrett said he was happy to be selected.

“It’s unfortunate it’s as public as it was,” Barrett said. “By the same token, that’s indicative of the passion of Razorback fans. I understand that. I understand how important the broadcasts are.

“ This is the position in Arkansas broadcasting.”

Barrett’s first experience with ARSN football broadcasts came as host of the scoreboard and halftime shows in 1994. A year later, Barrett took over as producer, a position he has occupied since.

“With exception of play-byplay and color, I’ve done every job there is to do on this network,” Barrett said. “I’m not sure anybody understands the process of a Razorback broadcast better than I do.... I think I’ve got as good an appreciation for that as anybody.”

Barrett has called Arkansas baseball games since 1992. He began making on-air contributions during football games two years ago.

“[Chuck ] is well-known for his work on Razorback football and baseball broadcasts,” Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles said in the release. “He grew up in Arkansas and has an appreciation for the passion and enthusiasm of Razorback fans all over the state. We are excited that he will be expanding his role on the football broadcast.”

In addition to those ARSN duties, Barrett has hosted a sports call-in show. His last show will air Friday.

That paves the way for him to join the university athletic department in an expanded capacity. He’ll serve as television host of the Houston Nutt Show and any new Razorback Football Classics. Barrett also will coordinate video and audio content for Hogwired. com, plus the handling of voice-over work and hosting of all departmental commercials, videoboard features, practice reports and other special content.

Arkansas will also ask Barrett to represent the university at speaking engagements.

“I love broadcasting, and I love the Razorbacks,” Barrett said. “To have the opportunity to do both is pretty exciting.”